Memory & Mental Health: The Process Of Encoding Memory Information

Memory is “the ability to retain information or a representation of past experience.” Human memory capabilities allow people to carry out daily activities, and the process through which the brain stores and retrieves memories is complex. One of the core components of this process is called encoding, which is when sensory input is processed and stored as a memory in the brain. Without the ability to encode memories, a person may not be able to remember people, past events, or anything else over the long term. Below is an overview of how memory encoding works, how memory challenges can impact mental health, and how to get support from an online therapist.

As the first step in the process of storing a memory, encoding begins when a person absorbs external input in the form of sensory information. For example, you might hear a story or song, read a fact, or smell a scent. After the initial registration of the input, the brain processes it into memory representations that can be stored either for the short term or the long term. When you need to access that information later, the retrieval process may allow you to recall it.

The role of emotions in the process of encoding memories 

Certain factors may affect the way you encode a memory and, therefore, how or whether you're able to retrieve it later. For example, feeling strong emotions of some kind as you’re taking in sensory information may help you encode a stronger or more lasting memory. 

As a 2025 study on the topic explains, “emotional arousal enhances memory encoding by strengthening functional integration across brain networks.” For instance, traumatic memories may be especially vivid because of the intense fear or distress a person may have been feeling while the events were taking place. 

If you’re living with traumatic memories, meeting with a therapist in person or online may help you process them and address their impacts.

The role of context in the encoding process

Scientists believe that the context in which we take in a piece of new information may play a role in memory retrieval later. It’s a cognitive neuroscience principle known as encoding specificity, which proposes that having the same context that existed when you encoded a memory may make it easier to remember that information in the future. For example, when trying to remember a pair of unrelated words that you learned previously, seeing one may help you recall the other.

The role of the hippocampus in memory encoding

The hippocampus is a part of the brain that’s key to the memory-encoding process. The American Psychological Association describes the hippocampus as “a seahorse-shaped part of the forebrain, in the basal medial region of the temporal lobe, that is important for declarative memory and learning.” In the encoding process, the hippocampus is responsible for processing memories and sorting them into either short-term or long-term storage. 

Types of memory encoding

There are different types of memory encoding depending on the initial sensory input received and what existing information the brain may connect it to. Visual, acoustic, and semantic are a few examples.

Visual encoding

Visual encoding is when the brain receives information based on your sense of sight. First, the brain uses iconic memory, which is for brief recall and quickly fades, to store the mental image. Then, in some cases, you may be able to convert the information for storage in your long-term memory for later recall. Recalling phone numbers on a contact list, colors associated with certain brands, or where certain rooms are located in your home are all examples of visually encoded memories.

Acoustic encoding

Acoustic encoding is when the brain receives information based on your sense of hearing. Examples could include a sound, a song, or a particular person’s voice.

When you store auditory information for the longer term, an encoding process called the phonological loop may be used. This process often requires the repetition of auditory information, which is why hearing the melody of a song we’ve listened to many times often leads to the lyrics or words being triggered in our brain. Listening to anything repeatedly may increase the likelihood of the brain encoding that sound as a long-term memory.

Semantic encoding

Semantic encoding is when you use ideas to organize and store information for longer-term recall. It’s the process of linking some input to another type of input to help you remember something. Some examples of semantically encoded memories include recalling a house based on its color or using landmarks you remember to help yourself navigate to a certain place.

Are encoded memories always accurate?

The complex processes of memory encoding and retrieval can be influenced by various factors, which may affect memory accuracy and quality. First, consider that the way we remember things is often colored by our own judgments, associations, and past experiences, which could lead to varying types or degrees of memory distortion—including false memories. Even a distorted or false memory may seem equally vivid to a real, accurate memory.

Applied cognitive psychology evidence suggests that the phenomenon of forming false memories to some degree can be relatively common, with one study indicating that “30% of tested subjects formed false memories of autobiographical experiences.” Suggestions, leading questions, trauma, and lack of sleep are some factors that may play a role in inducing false memories.

Memory testing research

Researchers have used many different types of memory tests to better understand and measure memory processes. They may test a subject’s immediate recall, asking about something they learned seconds ago, to understand their short-term memory abilities. Or, they may use a delayed-recall test (administered after 15 minutes or more) to measure long-term memory abilities. Studies suggest that taking a free-recall memory test tends to produce “better

predictive validity and test–retest reliability” than certain established, formalized memory tests, which may guide future memory-based research.

What can cause memory problems?

Many different factors may affect the complex processes of memory encoding or retrieval, which could negatively impact daily functioning and well-being. Just some examples of health challenges that may affect memory processes to varying degrees include:

• Trauma
• Psychosis
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dementia
• A stroke
• A traumatic brain injury
• Thyroid problems
• A sleep disorder
• The effects of certain c
• Certain environmental toxins

Can memory encoding be harmful or dangerous?

On its own, memory encoding is not considered dangerous. Instead, this ability is key to our daily functioning. However, errors or issues with memory encoding may negatively impact a person’s mental or emotional health. 

For example, an individual with persistent memory challenges may experience frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem as a result. It’s also possible for false memories to cause distress, particularly if they’re traumatic or confusing. Working with a therapist in person or online may help you address mental health challenges related to memory.

Strategies that might help improve your memory abilities

Since memory may play a key role in both daily functioning and mental health, it can be helpful to understand how to strengthen it. While a person of any age might be able to strengthen their memory, these practices may be especially helpful for older adults. 

If you believe you’re living with a medical or mental health condition that’s causing memory challenges, meeting with a healthcare professional may be necessary.

Practice healthy lifestyle habits

First, certain lifestyle habits may support healthy hippocampus function, which may support memory function:

• Get enough sleep. Many researchers believe that getting enough high-quality sleep each night may be crucial to the long-term memory-encoding process. 
• Eat nutrient-rich meals. Getting enough nutrients may help support brain function and memory processes. Research suggests that protein, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 are some of the key nutrients for memory function.
• Exercise regularly. While the hippocampus may naturally shrink with age, research indicates that regular aerobic exercise may help increase hippocampal volume. In this way, getting active may help support memory.
• Limit or avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol may affect hippocampus health and function, which may impact memory abilities in turn.

Use memory strategies to improve information recall

Another way to potentially strengthen your ability to recall information is to use supportive memory strategies. Techniques like the following may help improve the encoding and retrieval processes for specific details that you may be trying to learn:

• Write it down. Writing by hand what you want to remember rather than typing it out may help your brain preserve the information.
• Say it out loud. Verbally repeating information may help you engage more actively in the encoding process. For example, a common trick for remembering the name of someone you’ve just met is to repeat their name back to them after you’ve been introduced as a form of verbal learning.
• Do some retrieval practice. Quizzing yourself using flash cards, for example, may be a more effective way to improve memory abilities than simply studying more.
  

Seeking support for memory-related mental health challenges

Again, certain mental health conditions may cause memory challenges, and memory challenges from any cause have the potential to impact mental well-being. A mental health professional, like a therapist, may be able to help you address mental health symptoms to potentially improve memory abilities and/or mental well-being. 

Online counseling with BetterHelp

If you don’t have many therapists in your area or don’t feel comfortable meeting with a provider in person, alternatives are available. With online therapy through BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist according to your needs and preferences and then meet with them remotely. 

Your sessions can take place via phone, video, or live chat from anywhere you have an internet connection. Online therapy also tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy without insurance. 

Can online therapy really be effective?

Researchers have been studying the effectiveness of online therapy for years, and a growing body of evidence suggests that it can often be effective. For example, a recent study indicates that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a virtual version of one of the most common talk therapy types, may yield similar effects to in-person CBT.